Tour de France To Feature First Vegan Cyclist

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For the first time in its 108-year history, a cyclist participating in the grueling 2,200-mile, three-week Tour de France will complete the race while maintaining a vegan diet. Almost.

Let’s get this out of the way first: David Zabriskie, an American, will cheat a bit by consuming small portions of salmon twice a week during the Tour, to increase his ability to absorb iron.

Purists can denounce such a move, but consider this: Cyclists in the tour have to consume roughly 8,000 calories a day. Generally, this is achieved through meat, dairy, and other animal products. What Zabriskie is about to do will once again shake the sporting world into considering the benefits of going vegan/vegetarian – and why it will not leave them at a competitive disadvantage.

On the contrary, the 32-year-old – who went vegan earlier this year – says that he’s in the best shape of his life and that his energy has never been greater; a claim that’s backed by the fact that he’s won more time trials this year than any before.

“I think a lot of people see food in terms of whether it’s going to make them fat or make them skinny,” he told the Wall Street Journal. “I’m seeing food in terms of how it’s going to make me think and will it give me clarity.”

Zabriskie says that since going vegan, his overall health has improved, minor ailments like canker sores and saddle rash have all started clearing up, and his vision is sharper than ever. We wish him the best of luck!